The latest installment of the WOW Gospel compilation series debuts at #3 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week, followed directly by Worship, the newest project from Myron Butler.

James Fortune & FIYA retain the #1 spot on the charts with their purchase-worthy Identity.

Here’s the full Top 10…

1 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
2 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
3 | WOW Gospel 2012
4 | Myron Butler – Worship
5 | William McDowell – Arise
6 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
7 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
8 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
9 | Lecrae – Rehab
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…

Next week, expect Top 10 showings from Fred Hammond for his latest project, God, Love & Romance. Got it yet? Check out snippets and my review… and grab it!

I can’t lie– I’m super proud of James Fortune as I type this!

James Fortune & FIYA’s new album, Identity, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart and Independent Albums chart. He has also debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200! It represents the first #1 debut of his career, a great feat for the first album on his own label. Kudos!

Here’s the rest of the Top 10 this week…

1 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
2 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
3 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
4 | William McDowell – Arise
5 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
6 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…
7 | Lecrae – Rehab
8 | Shirley Caesar – The Ultimate Collection
9 | Charlie Haden & Hank Jones – Come Sunday
10 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me

Next week, we should see entries on the chart from Myron Butler and WOW Gospel 2012.

You have James Fortune’s new project yet???

I wrote a review of Myron Butler’s new project, Worship, for gmc this go ’round. I want you to check it out right here.

Listen to snippets and buy it here:

You know it’s the place to be… it just is. Lol

Urban Soul Cafe returns to Stellar Awards weekend with its annual “Access Granted” event, featuring some of the greatest gospel artists in the game. It’s got three events over the course of the weekend!

During that time, Dorinda Clark Cole and the Rance Allen Group will be honored with Lifetime Achievement awards, while Kim Burrell is receiving an Artist of the Year award. Plus, you’ll get live appearances from just about every artist that comes to Nashville, including Marvin Sapp, Myron Butler, Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Shirley Murdock and more.

For a complete list of events, visit http://urbansoulcafe.com.

Myron Butler is back, but this time not with his group, Levi. Don’t worry– nothing bad happened… it’s just a worship album with a different direction.

The album, titled Worship, was recorded live in Fort Worth, TX earlier this year. It hits stores on January 24, 2012 and, based on Myron’s incredible songwriting/production (he’s worked with Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and dozens more), this project promises to be a winner.

The project’s lead single, “Bless the Lord,” continues to climb the radio airplay charts.

If you ask me, Calvin Nowell doesn’t release music NEARLY as often as I wanna hear it from him, but when he does… wow.

An incredibly gifted vocalist and worship leader, Calvin Nowell is also an awesome songwriter (you may know one of his hits, “Unrestrained,” which was recorded by Myron Butler & Levi on their Stronger album in 2006). Plus, he’s QUITE an artist manager, guiding the careers of Gungor (you MUST know them) and B. Reith (you MUST know him, too– new album in stores November 1st).

Anyway, Calvin’s back with a new single that is so powerful, titled “Alright.” From his lead vocal to the background arrangements, layered over the building band… it’s GOOD.

And it’s available for download on iTunes now. Before you buy it, though, you can listen to it streaming on the Pundit Player at the bottom of this screen. Let me know what you think!

And check out Calvin’s official website at http://www.calvinnowell.com/ to learn more about him!

If you’re in Tampa for GMWA, or planning to get there soon, make sure you get to this star-studded concert!

The annual ‘Tribute to the King’ concert (referring to the late Rev. James Cleveland) is always well-attended and full of great performances.  This year will be no different, featuring Kirk Franklin, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rance Allen, James Fortune & FIYA, Jessica Reedy, Myron Butler and more!

The show starts at 11pm (doors at 10pm) on Wednesday, August 17th. Check out the flyer below for details.  Anyone going???

Between his newborn baby and a new single heading to radio, Myron Butler has got his hands full!

One of the industry’s greatest contemporary treasures, Butler recorded a live worship project this past Spring, titled Myron Butler Worship.  The first fruits of the project comes in the form of his single, “Bless the Lord.”

It’s a simple enough worship chorus, laced with the intricately beautiful vocal arrangements that are the hallmark of Myron Butler’s music.

Before it hits radio, you can listen to “Bless the Lord” on the Pundit Player NOW at the bottom of this screen!

Congratulations are in order for Myron and Timberlyn Butler in the birth of their third child, baby girl Mylan Drew Butler.

I just chatted with Myron, who tells me that ”[Mylan] is another extremely important part of my world.  We’re glad that she’s here and that she’s healthy… she’s 6 pounds, 15 ounces, born at 11:18 this morning.”

The couple also just celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary on Tuesday.

So, DOUBLE congrats to ya!

McDonald’s will kick off its 5th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel recording artist Hezekiah Walker. The tour is part of McDonald’s everyday commitment to celebrating the culture of the African-American community.

The tour will make stops at churches in 6 U.S. cities (Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta) and will play at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as, summer festivals in Newark, NJ, and Washington, DC.

Tour dates and locations include:
June 11 – Atlanta, GA (Ray of Hope Christian Church)
June 14 – Jackson, MS (Jackson Convention Complex)
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA (Deliverance Evangelistic Church)
June 18 – Newark, NJ (McDonald’s Gospelfest – Prudential Center) *not a free concert
June 21 – Detroit, MI (Greater Grace Temple)
June 23 – Chicago, IL (Christ Universal Temple)
June 25 – Dallas, TX (Friendship West Baptist Church)
July 22 – Los Angeles, CA (West Angeles COGIC)
September 10 – Washington, DC (Black Family Reunion Celebration – National Mall)

The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour concerts are FREE (except for the McDonald’s Gospelfest event in Newark, NJ), and tickets are available, while supplies last, at the host church and select local retailers.

“Gospel music gives inspiration to people and McDonald’s is known for giving to communities around the world,” said Hezekiah Walker. “I am honored to headline a tour of this nature and be able to share my music with audiences across the country to uplift and inspire them.”

Bishop Walker will be joined by all-star gospel artists 21:03 in Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago; Canton Jones in Atlanta and Jackson, MS; Myron Butler and Anthony Evans in Dallas; and Nikki Potts in Los Angeles.

“McDonald’s is really excited to share in culture and community in a way that really connects with our consumers in a meaningful way,” expressed Rob Jackson, McDonald’s Director U.S. Marketing.  “During the community events, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities® and the incredible work they do to help families right in the local community.”

In previous years, the tour featured top gospel artists such as CeCe Winans, Regina Belle, Smokie Norful, J. Moss, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard.

For more info about the tour, visit www.365Black.com, McDonald’s portal for its 365Black® programs, celebrating the African American community throughout the year.

Who’s attending???